Actuator for manually adjusting headlamp elevation angle

ABSTRACT

A headlamp mounting system for an automobile includes respective headlamp housings for holding monofilament headlamps. Also, respective bases are attached to the automobile and each base is pivotably engaged with a respective one of the headlamp housings. An activating shaft extends between the headlamp housings and is connected to each, and an activating rod is connected to a radially protruding ear of the activating shaft. The activating rod is coupled to an operating knob in the passenger compartment, and the knob can be pushed and pulled as desired by an occupant to cause the activating rod to reciprocate and, thus, to rotate the activating shaft and hence pivot the headlamp housings. Thereby, the elevation angle of the headlamp beams is selectively established, with a high angle establishing a high beam orientation and a low angle establishing a low beam orientation. A spool having front and rear ends is pivotably engaged with the activating rod in the passenger compartment to provide a mechanical memory of the relative difference between the high and low beam orientation angles. The high beam, orientation is established when the front end abuts the automobile and the low beam orientation is established when the rear end abuts the automobile, thereby establishing the limit of travel of the activating rod. The spool can be rotated on the rod as desired to vary the high beam and low beam orientations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/546,384,filed Oct. 20, 1995.

This patent application is related to commonly-assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No.: 08/545,971 for an invention entitled "METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR ATTACHING COMPOSITE PLASTIC AUTOMOBILE BODY TO STEELAUTOMOBILE FRAME", incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automobiles, and moreparticularly to headlamps for lightweight, cost-effective automobiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is well known, consumers demand a choice between many differentmodels of automobiles. Depending on the circumstances, some consumersmight desire a simple yet effective automobile, with the principal andindeed overriding consideration being cost. With this in mind, thepresent invention recognizes that it is possible to provide an effectiveand useful automobile, the cost of which can be minimized by minimizingthe weight of the automobile and by using the novel structure disclosedherein.

More specifically, the present invention recognizes that the cost of anautomobile can be minimized by minimizing the weight of the automobile.This is because a lightweight automobile, among other things, can bepropelled by a relatively small, fuel-efficient motor. Additionally,certain lightweight materials happen to be inexpensive, and easy tomanufacture.

As further recognized by the present invention, it is advantageous tofurther reduce the weight and expense of such an automobile by providingeffective yet inexpensive automotive subsystems, such as headlampsystems, for use in conjunction with the automobile. While existingheadlamp systems are effective, many existing systems include metalmounting components and consequently are relatively heavy. Moreover,many existing systems provide high and low head beams by incorporatingtwo separate bulb filaments, thus requiring the use of headlamps whichare relatively expensive vis-a-vis single filament bulbs. While it isdesirable to provide high and low head beams, it can be appreciated inlight of the discussion above that the cost of the subsystems intendedfor use in the present automobile preferably is minimized.

Still further, the elevation angle of the head beams of existingautomobile headlamp systems can be adjusted, if at all, only by using anappropriate tool to manipulate adjusting screws that are located on theheadlamp housings. As recognized by the present invention, however,while such adjusting means ordinarily are sufficient for relativelyheavy metal-bodied automobiles, a more convenient and less cumbersomemeans for adjusting the head beam elevation angle is desirable inplastic-bodied automobiles. This is because, as recognized herein, thepitch angle of a lightweight plastic-bodied automobile, whentransporting little weight, can vary markedly from the pitch angle ofthe automobile when, e.g., the rear trunk of the lightweight automobilesupports a heavy load. The present invention further recognizes that in,a lightweight plastic-bodied automobile, the potentially largervariation in the pitch angle of the automobile can require relativelyfrequent adjustment of the head beam elevation angle. Nonetheless, asrecognized herein it is desirable to provide a mechanical memory of thehigh beam elevation angle of the headlamp beams and the low beamelevation of the beams. For this reason, it is desirable to provide aneasier and more convenient means than is currently available foradjusting the elevation angle of a head beam.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide alightweight, inexpensive headlamp mount for a plastic-bodied automobilewhich incorporates a mechanical memory of the high and low beam anglesof the headlamps of an automobile. Another object of the presentinvention is to provide a headlamp mount for an automobile which is easyto use and cost-effective to manufacture. Yet another object of thepresent invention is to provide a means for adjusting the elevationangle of the head beam of an automobile which is convenient, and whichcan be operated from the passenger compartment of the automobile. Stillanother object of the present invention is to provide a high beam and alow beam in an automobile headlamp system having single-filament,comparatively inexpensive bulbs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An actuator is disclosed for selectively establishing the high and lowbeam orientations of the headlamps of an automobile. The actuator has amechanical memory of the high and low beam orientations, such that thehigh beam orientation angle is always a predetermined amount higher thanthe low beam angle, regardless of the setting of the reference for theangles.

The actuator of the present invention includes an activating rod thathas a front segment coupled to the at least one headlamp, such thattranslational motion of the activating rod causes pivotal motion of theheadlamp relative to the automobile. Further, the activating rod has arear end segment, and a manipulable operator is connected to the rearend segment. The operator can be grasped by an occupant of theautomobile and manipulated to move the activating rod to thereby causepivotal motion of the headlamp relative to the automobile.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear end segment of the activating rod isthreaded, and the actuator further includes a spool that is threadablyengaged with the rear end segment of the activating rod. In accordancewith the present invention, the spool has a front radially protrudingflange and a rear radially protruding flange. The distance between theflanges establishes the mechanical memory afforded by the presentinvention of the relative difference between the high and low beamangles.

Preferably, the operator is an operating knob and the spool ispositioned on the activating rod with the dashboard of the automobileintermediate the flanges of the spool. Consequently, the operating knobcan be manipulated to cause the front flange of the spool to abut thefront surface of the dashboard to thereby establish a first position ofthe actuator which corresponds to a first orientation of the headlamp.In addition, the operating knob can be manipulated to cause the rearflange of the spool to abut the rear surface of the dashboard to therebyestablish a second position of the actuator, with the second positioncorresponding to a second orientation of the headlamp. Most preferably,the first orientation is a low beam orientation, and the secondorientation is a high beam orientation. As stated above, the presentinvention provides a mechanical memory of the relative differencesbetween the positions and, hence, the high and low beam orientationangles.

Per the principles of the invention disclosed below, the spool can berotated by an occupant of the automobile to cause the spool to traveltranslationally relative to the activating rod and thereby selectivelyestablish the first and second positions. Desirably, a hollow plasticsheath surrounds at least a bent segment of the activating rod tosupport the bent segment.

In another aspect of the present invention, in an automobile having twofront headlamps mounted in respective holders for pivotable motion ofthe headlamps relative to the automobile, an actuator is coupled to theholders for transforming translational movement of the actuator topivotable movement of the headlamps. Per the present invention, theactuator includes an activating rod coupled to the holders. Also, theactuator includes a manipulable operator connected to the activating rodsuch that the operator can be grasped by an occupant of the automobileand manipulated to translate the activating rod to thereby pivot theheadlamps relative to the automobile. Moreover, a spool is threadablyengaged with the activating rod. The spool has a front radiallyprotruding flange and a rear radially protruding flange.

The automobile includes a dashboard, and the dashboard defines anaperture through which the activating rod extends. The dashboard furtherdefines a front surface and a rear surface. The spool is positioned onthe activating rod with the aperture of the dashboard intermediate theflanges of the spool. Consequently, the operator can be manipulated tocause the front flange of the spool to abut the front surface of thedashboard to thereby establish a first position of the actuatorcorresponding to a first orientation of the headlamp. Further, theoperator can be manipulated to cause the rear flange of the spool toabut the rear surface of the dashboard to thereby establish a second,position of the actuator corresponding to a second orientation of theheadlamp.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a method forselectively establishing a high beam orientation for a single filamentheadlamp relative to an automobile and a low beam orientation of theheadlamp includes pivotably coupling the headlamp to the automobile. Themethod further includes coupling a manipulable actuator with theheadlamp such that translational motion of the actuator causes pivotablemotion of the headlamp. A manipulable operator is attached to theactuator inside the passenger, and first and second mechanical limits oftranslational motion of the actuator are selectively established. Asintended by the present invention, the first and second limit correspondto the high beam and low beam orientations, respectively, of theheadlamp.

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure andoperation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automobile headlamp mounting systemof the present invention, shown in operable engagement with alightweight plastic-bodied automobile, with portions cut away forclarity;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the headlamp holders withactuator, with portions of the frame shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the headlamp housingclamping rib, as seen along the line 3--3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the activating rod connection to theactivating shaft, as would be seen along the line 4--4 in FIG. 2 withthe components cooperatively engaged;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the head beamelevation angle adjustor of the present invention, with the spoolintermediate the high and low beam positions, portions of the dashboardbroken away, and portions shown in phantom; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the elevation angle adjustor aswould be seen along the line 6--6 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a headlamp mounting system is show,generally designated 10, which includes right and left headlamp holders12, 14 for pivotably holding respective right and left single filamentautomobile headlamps 16, 18 on an automobile 20. As disclosed in detailbelow, the system 10 includes an operating member 21 which is coupled tothe holders 12, 14 to permit selectively establishing an elevationalangle α between ground 22 that is directly beneath the automobile 20 andlight beam axes 24, 26 which are respectively defined by the headlamps16, 18. It will be understood that the elevational angle α is taken in aplane perpendicular to a generally horizontally-oriented frame 34 of theautomobile 20, and hence alternatively may be referred to as a "pitch"angle.

In accordance with the present invention, the elevation angle α isestablished to be relatively high to thereby establish a high beamorientation of the headlamps 16, 18. On the other hand, the elevationangle α is established to be relatively low to thereby establish a lowbeam orientation of the headlamps 16, 18.

As used herein, the terms "high" and "low" as applied to the elevationangle α are referenced to a longitudinal axis 28 of the automobile 20.For example, when the beams from the headlamps 16, 18 are directedtoward the ground, the elevation angle α is "low"; indeed, it isnegative. On the other hand, when the beams from the headlamps 16, 18are directed upwardly above the horizon, the elevation angle α ispositive and, thus, is "higher" than a negative or less positiveelevation angle.

Furthermore, the longitudinal axis 28 of the automobile 20 alsoestablishes a reference for the yaw of the headlamps 16, 18. Morespecifically, the angle in a plane parallel to the ground between thebeam from a headlamp 16, 18 and the longitudinal axis 28 defines the yawangle of the headlamp 16, 18.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the automobile 20 includes apower train 30 and a plastic body 32 mounted on the steel frame 34.Details of the automobile 20 are disclosed in the above-referencedpatent application. As disclosed in the above-referred to application,the automobile body 32 is made by injection molding of afiberglass-reinforced plastic composite engineering material.

FIGS. 2-4 show the details of the headlamp holders 12, 14 and actuator21 of the present invention. For simplicity of disclosure, the leftholder 14 will be discussed. It is to be understood, however, that theright headlamp holder 12 is in all essential respects identical inconfiguration and operation to the left holder 14, and indeed isinterchangeable with the left holder 14.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the left holder 14 includes an injection moldedplastic headlamp housing 36 for holding the right headlamp 16. As shown,the headlamp housing 36 is circularly configured for surroundinglyengaging the headlamp 16. To provide a means for disengaging andsecurely engaging the housing 36 with the headlamp 16, the housing 36 isformed with a discontinuity 38 that defines opposed ends 40, 42.

Each end 40, 42 is configured as a fastener fitting, and a screw 44,preferably a self-threading screw, can be engaged with, the ends 40, 42and manipulated to vary the distance between the ends 40, 42.Accordingly, the housing 36 can be moved between art enlargedconfiguration, wherein the ends 40, 42 are spaced from each other andthe housing 36 can be positioned around the periphery of the headlamp16, and a hold configuration, wherein the ends 40, 42 are closelyjuxtaposed with each other and the housing 36 firmly grips the peripheryof the headlamp 16 in an interference fit.

FIG. 2 further shows that the housing 36 defines a light: beam axis 46.It is to be understood that when the housing 36 is engaged with theheadlamp 16, the axis 46 is the axis of the light beam produced by theheadlamp 16.

Additionally, an injection molded plastic base 48 is formed with adownwardly-depending positioning member, referred to herein for brevityas a "clamp" 50, for engaging a headlamp support element of theautomobile 20. In the presently preferred embodiment, the headlampsupport element is a rail 52 of the frame 34 shown in FIG. 1, and therail 52 is parallel to the long axis 28 of the automobile 20.

As more fully disclosed below, the base 48 holds the headlamp housing 36to permit one degree of motion of the housing 36 relative to the base48. More specifically, as further disclosed below the base 48 holds thehousing 36 to permit pivotable motion of the housing 36 relative to thebase 48 only in the elevational (i.e., pitch) dimension of theautomobile 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the clamp 50 of the base 48 is configured as abracket having first and second clamping legs 54, 56 for straddling theframe rail 52. The first and second clamping legs 54, 56 definerespective first and second clamping surfaces 58, 60 (surface 60 shownin phantom), with each clamping surface 58, 60 being oriented toward theframe rail 52.

Taking the first clamping leg 54 as an example, the clamping surface 58of the first clamping leg 54 is formed with a non-planar clamping rib 62that abuts the frame rail 52. Referring briefly to FIG. 3, the clampingrib 62 is generally wedge-shaped, and is formed with a gently roundedand thus non-planar apex 64. The apex 64 of the clamping rib 62establishes the clamping surface 58, and thus abuts the frame rail 52.It is to be understood that the second clamping leg 56 is in allessential respects identical in configuration to the first clamping leg54.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the distance between the clamping legs 54, 56is about equal to the width of the straddled frame rail 52. Further, theclamping legs 54, 56 are materially biased slightly toward each other,to consequently establish an interference fit between the clamping ribsof the clamp 50 and the frame rail 52.

As shown in FIG. 2, an arcuate front slot 66 is formed on a horizontalflange 68 of the base 48. An internally threaded hole or boss (notshown) is formed in the frame rail 52, and a screw 70 is threadablyengaged with the hole or boss, with the shank of the screw 70 extendingthrough the slot 66. Likewise, a back slot 66' with associated screw canbe formed in the base 48.

With this combination of structure, it readily can be appreciated thatthe yaw orientation of the base 48 relative to the frame rail 52 and,hence, relative to the long axis 28 of the automobile 20 is establishedby appropriately pivotably manipulating the base 48 on the frame rail 52in a plane parallel to the ground. As the base 48 is manipulated on theframe rail 52, the non-planar clamping ribs essentially roll against theframe rail 52, and contact is maintained between the clamping ribs andthe frame rail 52. Also, as the base 48 is manipulated, the slot 66 ofthe base 48 rides past the screw 70. When the desired yaw angle isestablished, the screw 70 is tightened to inhibit relative motionbetween the base 48 and the frame rail 52 and thereby maintain the yawangle.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the base 48 is formed with a support 72 forpivotably engaging the headlamp housing 36. The support 72 defines asemicircle having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of theheadlamp housing 36. As shown in FIG. 2, the semicircle defined by thesupport 72 establishes two ends that terminate in respective generallytransversely-oriented channels 74, 76. In accordance with the presentinvention, the headlamp housing 36 is formed with opposed horizontal,generally transversely-oriented hollow cylindrical dowels 78, 80 forsnapping into the respective channels 74, 76 and rotatable engaging therespective channels 74, 76. This combination of structure facilitatespivotable movement of the headlamp housing 36 relative to the base 48 inthe elevational (i.e., pitch) dimension of the automobile 20.

Turning now to the details of the actuator 21 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2best shows that the actuator 21 includes an elongated solid metalactivating rod 82 which has a threaded front segment 84. The frontsegment 84 of the activating rod 82 is connected to an elongate,transversely-disposed hollow parallelepiped-shaped activating shaft 86.More particularly, the activating rod 82 is connected to an ear 87, andthe ear 87 has a base 87a formed with a parallelepiped-shaped channelfor closely receiving the shaft 86 therethrough. Thus, the base 87a ofthe ear 87 may be positioned anywhere along the shaft 86 to avoidinterference with other components of the automobile 20.

As shown, the ear 87 protrudes radially outwardly from the shaft 86.Preferably, the activating rod 82 is a slightly flexible one-eighth inch(1/8") diameter solid metal rod, although the activating rod 82 couldbe, e.g., a one-sixteenth inch (1/16") diameter metal cable. To hold therod 82 in engagement with the ear 87 and, hence, the shaft 86, first andsecond limiter nuts 88, 89 are threadably engaged with the front segment84 with the ear 87 sandwiched between the nuts 88, 89.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the shaft 86is connected to the headlamp housing 36. Preferably, as best shown inFIG. 4 a cylindrical-to-rectangular adapter 90 is formed with acylindrical channel 42 for closely receiving the dowel 80 therein in aninterference fit therewith. Also, the adapter 90 is formed with aparallelepiped-shaped extension 94 which is received in the hollowactuating shaft 86. Thereby, the shaft 86 is coupled to the housing 36.It is to be appreciated that the shaft 86 is likewise coupled to thehousing of the right headlamp holder 12.

Accordingly, it may now be appreciated that translational movement ofthe activating rod 82 along the long axis 28 of thus automobile 20 istransformed to rotational motion of the shaft 86 about its long axis. Inturn, rotational motion of the shaft 86 about its long axis causespivotable movement of the housing 36 relative to the base 48. As statedabove, the shaft 86 is likewise connected to a headlamp housing 361 ofthe right holder 12. Consequently, by appropriately moving theactivating rod 82, the elevation angle α of the headlamps 16, 18 can beestablished. If desired, a hollow plastic sheath 114 (FIG. 2) can bepositioned around bent segments of the rod 82 to support the bentsegments.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the details of an actuator, generally designated 120,for manipulating the activating rod 82. As shown, the actuator 120 isconnected to a rear end segment 122 of the activating rod 82. Asintended by the present invention and disclosed in detail below, theactuator 120 can be grasped by an occupant of the automobile 20 andmanipulated to move the activating rod 82 to thereby cause pivotalmotion of the headlamps 16, 18 relative to the automobile 20.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show that in the presently preferred embodiment, the rearend segment 122 of the activating rod 82 is threaded. Additionally, ahollow rigid plastic spool 124 is formed with a threaded inner surface126 for threadably engaging the spool 124 with the rear end segment 122.

As shown, the spool 124 is formed with a front disc-shaped, flange 128and a rear disc-shaped flange 130. Both flanges 128, 130 protruderadially outwardly from the threaded inner surface 126 of the spool 124.As intended by the present invention, the distance between the flanges128, 130 establish a mechanical memory for the high and low beamorientations of the headlamps 16, 18. In other words, the relativedifference between the high and low beam orientations of the headlamps16, 18 is established by the distance between the flanges 128, 130 ofthe spool 124.

The spool 124 extends through an opening 133 of the dashboard 134 of theautomobile 20, with the flanges 128, 130 positioned on opposite sides ofthe dashboard 134 from each other. The opening 133 defines a recess 136,and as best shown in FIG. 6, a crescent-shaped mounting bracket 138 ispositioned in the recess 136 so as to be flush with the dashboard 134.In the presently preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 138 isaffixed to the dashboard 134 by two screws (not shown) to hold the spool124 in slidable engagement with the dashboard 134.

As shown best in FIG. 6, the dashboard 134 defines a front surface 142and a rear surface 144. Preferably, a manipulable plastic operator, suchas, e.g., an operating knob 146, is attached to the rear end of theactivating rod 82 by means well-known in the art, e.g., threading orsolvent bonding the knob 146 to the rod 82.

With this disclosure in mind, it may now be appreciated that theoperating knob 146 can be pushed toward the dashboard 134 to cause thefront flange 128 of the spool 124 to abut the front surface 142 of thedashboard 134. Thereby, a low beam position of the actuator 120 isestablished. As intended by the present invention, the low beam positionof the actuator 120 corresponds to a low beam orientation of theheadlamps 16, 18. In the low beam orientation, it will be appreciatedthat the elevation angle α (FIG. 1) of the headlamps 16, 18 is small orindeed negative, in which case the headlamps 16, 18 direct theirrespective beams, toward the ground.

It may now be further appreciated that the operating knob 146 can bepulled away from the dashboard 134 to cause the rear flange 130 of thespool 124 to abut the rear surface 144 of the dashboard 134. Thereby, ahigh beam position of the actuator 120) is established. This high beamposition of the actuator 120 corresponds to a high beam orientation ofthe headlamps 16, 18, in which the elevation angle α of the headlamps16, 18 is greater than it was in the low beam orientation.

As the skilled artisan will recognize, the spool 124 can be rotated byan occupant of the automobile 20 to cause the spool 124 to traveltranslationally relative to the activating rod 82, owing to thethreadable engagement therebetween. Consequently, by rotating the spool124, an occupant can selectively establish the high beam position of theactuator 120 and, owing to the mechanical memory afforded by the spool124, the low beam position as well. Thus, the high and low beamorientations of the headlamps 16, 18 can be established.

While the particular ACTUATOR FOR MANUALLY ADJUSTING HEADLAMP ELEVATIONANGLE as herein disclosed and described in detail is fully capable ofattaining the above-described objects of the invention, it is to beunderstood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and is thus representative of the subject matter which isbroadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of thepresent invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may becomeobvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the presentinvention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than theappended claims.

I claim:
 1. An actuator for selectively establishing the elevation angleof at least one headlamp of an automobile, the headlamp having a highbeam orientation and a low beam orientation, the actuator maintaining amechanical memory of a difference between the orientations andcomprising:an activating rod having a front segment coupled to the atleast one headlamp such that translational motion of the activating rodcauses pivotal motion of the headlamp relative to the automobile, theactivating rod having a threaded rear end segment; a manipulableoperator connected to the rear end segment of the activating rod suchthat the operator can be grasped by an occupant of the automobile andmanipulated to move the activating rod to thereby cause pivotal motionof the headlamp relative to the automobile; and a spool threadablyengaged with the rear end segment of the activating rod between theoperator and the headlamp, the spool having a body portion with a frontradially protruding flange and a longitudinally space ear radiallyprotruding flange each extending from said body portion for establishingthe mechanical memory, the spool with activating rod beingreciprocatingly movable in a longitudinal direction without rotating thespool relative to the activating rod to thereby move the headlampbetween the high beam orientation and low beam orientation.
 2. In anautomobile having two front headlamps mounted in respective holders forpivotable motion of the headlamps relative to the automobile, anactuator coupled to the holders for transforming translational movementof the actuator to pivotable movement of the headlamps, the actuatorcomprising:an activating rod coupled to the holders; a manipulableoperator connected to the activating rod such that the operator can begrasped by an occupant of the automobile and manipulated to translatethe activating rod to thereby pivot the headlamps relative to theautomobile; a spool threadably engaged with the activating rod, thespool having a body portion with a front radially protruding flange andlongitudinally spaced rear radially protruding flange each extendingfrom said body portion; and a dashboard attached to the automobile, thedashboard defining an overture through which the activating rod extends,the dashboard further defining a front surface and a rear surface,wherein: the spool is positioned on the activating rod with the apertureof the dashboard intermediate the flanges of the spool, such that theoperator can be manipulated to cause the front flange of the spool toabut the front surface of the dashboard to thereby establish a firstposition of the actuator, the first position corresponding to a firstorientation of the headlamp, and the operator can be manipulated tocause the rear flange of the spool to abut the rear surface of thedashboard to thereby establish a second position of the actuator, thesecond position corresponding to a second orientation of the headlamp.3. A method for selectively establishing a high beam orientation for asingle filament headlamp relative to an automobile having a passengercompartment and a low beam orientation of the headlamp, comprising thesteps of:pivotally coupling the headlamp to the automobile; coupling amanipulable actuator with the headlamp such that translational motion ofthe actuator causes pivotable motion of the headlamp; attaching amanipulable operator to the actuator inside the passenger compartment;surroundingly engaging a spool with the actuator between the operatorand the headlamp, the spool being longitudinally movable along with theactuator when the operator is pushed and pulled to thereby move theheadlamp between the orientations, the spool having a body portion witha front radially protruding flange and a longitudinally spaced rearradially protruding flange each extending from said body portion andconfigured for engaging the automobile to establish limits oftranslational motion of the actuator.
 4. An actuator for selectivelyestablishing the elevation angle of at least one headlamp of anautomobile, the headlamp having a high beam orientation and a low beamorientation, the actuator maintaining a mechanical memory of adifference between the orientations and comprising:an activating rodhaving a front segment coupled to the at least one headlamp such thattranslational motion of the activating rod causes pivotal motion of theheadlamp relative to the automobile, the activating rod having athreaded rear end segment; a hollow plastic sheath surrounding at leasta bent segment of the activating rod to support the bent segment; amanipulable operator connected to the rear end segment of the activatingrod such that the operator can be grasped by an occupant of theautomobile and manipulated to move the activating rod to thereby causepivotal motion of the headlamp relative to the automobile; and a spoolthreadably engaged with the rear end segment of the activating rodbetween the operator and the headlamp, the spool having a front radiallyprotruding flange and a rear radially protruding flange for establishingthe mechanical memory, the spool with activating rod beingreciprocatingly movable in a longitudinal direction without rotating thespool relative to the activating rod to thereby move the headlampbetween the high beam orientation and low beam orientation.
 5. Theactuator of claim 1, further comprising a dashboard attached to theautomobile, the dashboard defining an aperture through which theactivating rod extends, the dashboard further defining a front surfaceand a rear surface.
 6. The actuator of claim 5, wherein the operator isan operating knob and the spool is positioned on the activating rod withthe aperture of the dashboard intermediate the flanges of the spool,such that the operating knob can be pulled to cause the front flange ofthe spool to abut the front surface of the dashboard to therebyestablish a first position of the actuator, the first positioncorresponding to a first orientation of the headlamp, and the operatingknob can be pushed to cause the rear flange of the spool to abut therear surface of the dashboard to thereby establish a second position ofthe actuator, the second position corresponding to a second orientationof the headlamp.
 7. The actuator of claim 6, wherein the firstorientation is a low beam orientation, and the second orientation is ahigh beam orientation.
 8. The actuator of claim 7, wherein the spool canbe rotated by an occupant of the automobile to cause the spool to traveltranslationally relative to the activating rod and thereby selectivelyestablish the first and second positions.
 9. In an automobile having twofront headlamps mounted in respective holders for pivotable motion ofthe headlamps relative to the automobile, an actuator coupled to theholders for transforming translational movement of the actuator topivotable movement of the headlamps, the actuator comprising:anactivating rod coupled to the holders; a hollow plastic sheathsurrounding at least a bent segment of the activating rod to support thebent segment; a manipulable operator connected to the activating rodsuch that the operator can be grasped by an occupant of the automobileand manipulated to translate the activating rod to thereby pivot theheadlamps relative to the automobile; spool threadably engaged with theactivating rod, the spool having a front radially protruding flange anda rear radially protruding flange; and a dashboard attached to theautomobile, the dashboard defining an aperture through which theactivating rod extends, the dashboard further defining a front surfaceand a rear surface, whereinthe spool is positioned on the activating rodwith the aperture of the dashboard intermediate the flanges of thespool, such that the operator can be manipulated to cause the frontflange of the spool to abut the front surface of the dashboard tothereby establish a first position of the actuator, the first positioncorresponding to a first orientation of the headlamp, and the operatorcan be manipulated to cause the rear flange of the spool to abut therear surface of the dashboard to thereby establish a second position ofthe actuator, the second position corresponding to a second orientationof the headlamp.
 10. The actuator of claim 9, wherein the firstorientation is a low beam orientation, the second orientation is a highbeam orientation, and wherein the spool can be rotated by an occupant ofthe automobile to cause the spool to travel translationally relative tothe activating rod and thereby selectively establish the first andsecond positions.
 11. A method for selectively establishing a high beamorientation for a single filament headlamp relative to an automobilehaving a passenger compartment and a low beam orientation of theheadlamp, comprising the steps of:(a) pivotably coupling the headlamp tothe automobile; (b) coupling a manipulable actuator with the headlampsuch that translational motion of the actuator causes pivotable motionof the headlamp; (b1) surrounding at least a bent segment of theactuator with a plastic sheath to support the bent segment; (c)attaching a manipulable operator to the actuator inside the passengercompartment; (d) surroundingly engaging a spool with the actuatorbetween the operator and the headlamp, the spool being longitudinallymovable along with the actuator when the operator is pushed and pulledto thereby move the headlamp between the orientations, the spool beingconfigured for engaging the automobile to establish limits oftranslational motion of the actuator.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising rotatably engaging a manipulable spool with theactuator, the spool having front and rear flanges which can abut theautomobile to respectively establish the first and second limits.